Convert Apple Mail Emails to EML with Attachments – Simple Methods

Apple Mail is the default email client that comes with macOS, known for its clean interface and seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem. However, situations often arise where you may need to convert Apple Mail emails to EML — a format widely supported by other email clients like Outlook, Thunderbird, and Windows Mail.

Whether you’re switching email platforms, backing up data, or preserving important communications with attachments, converting emails from Apple Mail to EML format is a practical solution. This guide will walk you through multiple easy and reliable methods to export Apple Mail to EML with attachments, suitable for both personal and professional needs.

What is the EML File Format?

EML (Electronic Mail Format) is a standard file format developed by Microsoft. It stores individual email messages as plain text files, including:

• Email body content (both plain text and HTML)
• Metadata (Subject, To, From, CC, BCC, Date)
• Embedded attachments
• Headers and formatting

EML files are compatible with:

• Microsoft Outlook
• Mozilla Thunderbird
• Windows Live Mail
• eM Client
• SeaMonkey
• And many third-party tools

This cross-platform compatibility makes EML a widely used format for email transfers and archiving.

Why Convert Apple Mail to EML?

There are several reasons why users want to export Apple Mail to EML:

1. Email Migration

If you’re switching from Apple Mail to another email client (especially on Windows), EML files make the process easier. Most modern clients support direct import of EML.

2. Backup & Archival

Saving important emails as EML allows you to store them on an external hard drive, USB, or cloud storage — useful for future access, even without a mail client.

3. Legal or Corporate Needs

In legal or professional scenarios, emails often need to be saved with metadata and attachments intact — EML format does this perfectly.

4. Platform Flexibility

You can open EML files on multiple operating systems without requiring the original email client — just open them with a compatible app or even a text editor.

Method 1: Drag and Drop – Manually Convert Apple Mail Emails to EML

This is the most straightforward way to convert Apple Mail messages to EML files and works directly from the Mail app.

Steps:

1. Open Apple Mail on your Mac.
2. Select one or multiple email messages you want to export.
3. Click and drag the selected emails to a folder or your desktop.
4. macOS automatically saves the messages as .eml files.

Pros:

• Simple and doesn’t require any technical knowledge.
• Saves messages with all formatting and attachments intact.
• Works well for small batches.

Cons:

• Not ideal for bulk export (performance drops with too many emails).
• Doesn’t retain folder structure.
• Manual effort is needed, especially for large mailboxes.

Tip: You can select multiple emails at once using Shift or Command key to make this process faster.

Method 2: Export Emails Using “Save As” Option

The Save As feature is another manual method available within Apple Mail. It allows you to export an individual message in .eml format.

Steps:

1. Launch the Mail app.
2. Open or select the email you want to save.
3. Go to File > Save As.
4. Choose the format as Raw Message Source (it saves as .eml).
5. Select a location and click Save.

Pros:

• Retains complete message content and attachments.
• Gives control over saving location.

Cons:

• You can only save one email at a time.
• Inefficient for saving multiple emails.

Ideal for: Saving key individual emails for offline access or legal purposes.

Method 3: Use a Professional Apple Mail to EML Converter Tool

When dealing with hundreds or thousands of emails, the above manual methods become time-consuming and risky. In such cases, using a third-party tool specifically designed to convert Apple Mail to EML is the best solution.

When to Use a Converter:

• You want to export complete Apple Mail folders to EML.
• You need to retain folder hierarchy.
• You want bulk conversion with attachments preserved.
• You prefer a GUI-based automated process.

Steps to Convert Apple Mail to EML Using a Tool:

1. Export Apple Mail data in MBOX format (if required).
   • In Apple Mail, right-click the mailbox > Export Mailbox.
2. Download a trusted Apple Mail to EML converter (e.g., SysTools, Stellar, BitRecover, MacUncle).
3. Launch the tool and add your Apple Mail data or MBOX file.
4. Choose the EML format as the export option.
5. Click Convert and save the output.

Benefits of Using a Tool:

• Saves time and effort.
• Preserves original formatting, folder structure, and attachments.
• Batch export support.

Considerations:

• Most tools are paid (some offer free demo/trial).
• Check for macOS compatibility and data privacy.

Bonus Tips: Ensure a Smooth Conversion

To avoid data loss or corruption during the export process, keep the following tips in mind:

1. Backup First

Before converting, make a copy of your Apple Mail profile or export the required mailboxes. It’s always better to work on a backup copy.

2. Organize Emails by Folders

If using a converter tool, maintaining folder structure in Apple Mail helps ensure a clean export to EML.

3. Use External Storage

Store the exported EML files on a cloud drive or external hard disk for safekeeping or future migration.

Conclusion: What’s the Best Way to Export Apple Mail to EML?

If you’re wondering how to convert Apple Mail emails to EML with attachments, your choice of method depends on your specific needs:

Use Case	Recommended Method
Few emails	Drag & Drop or Save As
Hundreds of emails	Third-party Converter Tool
Legal/Archival needs	Converter + Save to External Drive
Folder-wise export	Converter Tool with folder support

By understanding the different methods, you can select the most suitable one to safely and accurately export Apple Mail to EML format — without losing attachments or metadata.

FAQs: Convert Apple Mail to EML